John F. Wielinski, 85, Willow River, died Monday, June 23, 2025 in St. Luke's Hospital, Duluth.  He was born on March 26, 1940 in Little Falls, MN to Simon and Catherine Wielinski.  John grew up in Little Falls where he graduated from high school.  On March 13, 1959, John entered the United States Army where he served until February 28, 1961.  He was married to his 1st wife, Lois to whom four children were born: Ruth, Elizabeth, John, and Darla.  John was later married to his 2nd wife, Dorothy.  He worked for over 30 years at Metal Matic in the steel tubing and sheet metal manufacturing industry retiring as a foreman/supervisor.  In 1999, John moved to Willow River.  He was a proud member of the Sturgeon Lake – Denham American Legion Post #361 and St. Mary's Catholic Church, Willow River.  John enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cribbage and other card games, feeding wild animals, and being around people to socialize.  He had good spirits and a great sense of humor which allowed him to be quite the jokester.  John could light up a room with his chuckle and was well known for his iconic mustache!

John was preceded in death by his first wife, Lois; second wife, Dorothy; and seven siblings: Albert, Richard, Simon, Evelyn, Leona, Irene, and Mary Louise.

He will be lovingly remembered by his four children: Ruth (Mike) Langiewicz, Elizabeth Wielinski, John (Becky) Wielinski, and Darla (Mike) Buechele; eleven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; his very special friend: Joyce Tietz; seven siblings: Lorraine LeMieur, Anna Schomer, Jeanette (Dan) Childs, James (Carol) Wielinski, Michael (Clarice) Wielinski, Catherine Bolme, and Sharon Loscheider; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 10 am until 11 am in the St. Mary's Catholic Social Hall, Willow River.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am Friday, June 27, 2025 in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Willow River.  Military Honors will follow Mass outside the church.  Lunch will be served at St. Mary's Catholic Social Hall following Military Honors by the Sturgeon Lake-Denham American Legion, Post #361.

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.